Olivia

Chapter 22

We are all ready. Decked out in our climbing gears, and I feel excited and nervous at the same time. I have never done something like this. I was mad at Gladys for a few minutes for agreeing without my knowledge, but we are here.
Gladys is the first to attempt climbing, and she is making progress. Olivia finishes tying her laces, and she steps next to me.

"Ready?"

Her grin is contagious, I smile back. Maybe it's time I forgive her. After all, I kissed back.

"I hope so," I say.

"You will love it. Trust me. Why don't you try, and I will be behind you for a bit?"

I nod my head and place my hand on the wall before me. We are at an indoor rock climbing facility, and we have this place almost to ourselves.

I make about two steps up, and I feel like I shifted.

"Whoa!"

I feel arms on both sides of my body, right below my breasts. Not good. She, for sure, will cause me to be distracted.

She giggles, "you got it, keep going."

I decide the best thing to do is to climb up, out of her reach. I do just that, and she cheers me on. Soon enough, I'm loving the experience, even if Gladys and Olivia are way ahead of me.

An hour later, we are making our way to this garden/park. It's a huge open space, with few spots of privacy. We go to the furthest corner, and we spread our blanket on the ground and settle down. We all just lay on our backs, resting and chatting. Every few minutes, Olivia's arm would brush against mine, but I try to just be ok with it.

She is saying much. Gladys is, of course, being nosey. She asks about her job, and Tina. Olivia doesn't hold back.

I feel a little pinch when I hear her say she is looking for a place of her own. I really shouldn't feel that way. Maybe it's for the best. She will move out, and, hopefully, things will go back to normal.
Gladys offers to help her with a place that she knows. Olivia is more than willing to go check it out with her.

We are now having the lunch that we brought. Olivia's treat. She made us tuna sandwiches. They are to die for. I'm a poor cook, so it seems like anything anyone makes is really good.

We sit, digesting our food, being silly, when Olivia spins a bottle that is in the middle of us. As it starts to spin, Gladys stops it.

"Spin the bottle," she says.

"Really, Gee? Come on now!" I say to her. Feeling like it is a childish game.

"Scared you might have to kiss me, Simone?" Olivia spits out.

I roll my eyes at her, "don't be silly, either of you."

"Then we are playing," Gladys says.

The bottle is spinning between us, and Gladys is rubbing her palms together in excitement, while Olivia is grinning.

"This will be good," Gladys says, moments before the bottle stops on me. 

"Kiss Olivia, Mo."

I look at Gladys as if she is crazy.

"Are you crazy?"

"See? She is afraid of kissing me, Gladys."

They both start laughing at me.

I lean over and kiss Olivia on the cheek.

"There! Now let's be grown and get back to the vehicle before that dark cloud bursts on us."

"That wasn't the kinda kiss I was referring to, but I wasn't specific, so that will have to do. Wait, Mo. One last spin. This one will be big!"

I'm afraid to even stay a minute longer, but what can one more do? I will give her a nasty dare if it lands on her, so I guess I can play once more.

The spinning bottle stops on Olivia, and she is cracking her fingers. I'm sure she is preparing herself for an odd dare from Gladys.

"Make out with Simone," Gladys orders.

"Are you fucking crazy?" I shout at her.

What is she hoping to achieve?

Olivia looks at me, like she is seeking my approval. I just stare back at her.
Before I can say anything else, her lips are on mine, and my lips start to move against hers, giving her all the permission she needs. She deepens the kiss, and rest her forehead on mine for a split second, biting my lower lip, seeming to catch air. She doesn't stop there, she takes my lips, again. I can feel her tongue teasing my lips, and I encourage her. I feel her tongue against mine, and I forget where I am. I feel her hand running up to my breast. As she is about to reach my left breast, a loud thunder claps in the distance, bringing me back to my senses. I'm breathless, and the shower is drenching us in the next second. No one says anything. We run back to the vehicle, and I am silent on the way home.

I can't believe I allowed her to do that, and in front of my best friend. I feel so upset, but who can I blame? I was an active participant. I'm sure it was quite the sight to Gladys. I hope she never brings it up.